Mental Health and Wellbeing Research for the 21st century.

The Mental Health Research Cluster in The School of Nursing and Midwifery is focused on the application of contemporary approaches to research and practice for the improvement of the mental health and wellbeing of people. Working within paradigms consistent with person-centred, participatory and public patient (PPI) design, we are passionate about working with experts by experience and engaging people and service users in our research from inception to completion and beyond. We develop, examine, and implement innovative strategies and less-used approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing of staff, service users, groups of people and the population as a whole. Our research focuses on PLACES, PEOPLE, ORGANISATIONS and we have particular expertise in youth mental health.

For further information contact Dr Aine O’Donovan aine.odonovan@ucc.ie

Impact - our research has led to:

• Attracting National and International research grant funding

• Collaborations with over 20 countries across Europe, Australia, Asia and the U.S

• Recognition as leaders in child, adolescent and youth mental health research

• Publication of national reports influencing healthcare policy

Aims & Objectives

The research cluster aims to conduct national and international collaborative research that enhances the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and families.  We are particularly interest in young people's mental health, e-health, addiction nursing, early onset dementia, practice development, recovery, and co-production.  Our specific objectives are:

• To enhance knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing
• To develop participatory methodologies in mental health and wellbeing research
• To generate and disseminate research that is relevant to clinical practice and communities
• To promote the mental health and wellbeing of young people

Projects

• COMMUNE (Co-production of mental health nursing education), funded by Erasmus + Strategic Partnership Systematic review of mental health related digital use by university students, funded by Institute Recherche en Sante Publique (France).
• Systematic review on the effectiveness of interventions to promote mental health in young people.
• Evaluation of peer group clinical supervision for nurses and midwives, funded by NMPDU
• Development and Evaluation of mental health service users' experiences of the mental health app 'OPPO' funded by HSE
• School Bullying - An evaluation of Cyclone Rep theatre intervention